Magnetic tape library apparatus having leader block engaging mechanism

A magnetic tape library apparatus comprising:

• a cell unit having a plurality of cells each accommodating a magnetic tape cartridge, said magnetic tape cartridge including a magnetic tape, a leader block attached to a leading tip portion of said magnetic tape and a latch for engaging with said leader block;
• a magnetic tape drive unit for writing and reading data to and from said magnetic tape in said magnetic tape cartridge;
• an accessor for automatically switching magnetic tape cartridges between said cell unit sand said magnetic tape drive unit;
• stacker means for stacking a plurality of magnetic tape cartridges entered externally;
• delivery means for selecting one of said plurality of magnetic tape cartridges stacked in said stacker means for delivery to said accessor, said delivery means including retaining means for retaining the selected magnetic tape cartridge;
• and
• leader block engaging means for pushing said leader block of the magnetic tape cartridge retained by said retaining means so that said leader block engages with said latch, wherein said leader block engaging means includes:
• a hammering member for applying a direct impact onto said leader block;
• biasing means for biasing said hammering member away from said leader block;
• and
• a solenoid for driving said hammering member against the biasing force of said biasing means.